Samba beats, jaw-dropping viewpoints, avenue artwork that might rival any gallery, and seashores which are calling your identify: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is the type of place that sticks with you lengthy after you’ve brushed the sand off your toes. Whether or not you want climbing, beach-hopping, art-spotting, or simply vibing with a caipirinha in hand, this vibrant metropolis is a high spot for tropical magic in each sense. Able to dive into Rio? Right here’s our information to the perfect issues to do in Rio de Janeiro, from iconic landmarks to hidden native scorching spots, all assured to depart you saying “only one extra day…” time and again.
Marvel at Sugarloaf Mountain
You possibly can’t discuss Rio with out giving Sugarloaf Mountain its due. Rising 396m (1,299 ft) above town, this granite peak affords a front-row seat to a few of the finest views in Brazil. The actual enjoyable? Getting up there. You hop on two glass-walled cable automobiles that swing you above the rainforest cover, with 360-degree views of the shoreline, town, and the Christ the Redeemer statue holding you firm alongside the best way. Whereas adventurous souls may also hike a part of the best way, you may wish to do that with a information for security. Attempt to time your go to with sundown when the sky turns pink and the lights of Rio begin to twinkle. Generally, you may additionally discover DJ units up right here right now.
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Take pleasure in Copacabana’s ambiance
This world-famous seashore is greater than only a fairly face (although it’s a very fairly face). With its 4km (2.5 mi) stretch of golden sand, iconic black-and-white tiled promenade, and fixed buzz of exercise, Copacabana is a should on any Rio itinerary. Go for a swim, be part of a seashore volleyball sport, feast upon Brazilian avenue meals, or sip coconut water whereas watching the world go by — speedos, samba dancers, and all. Within the evenings, seashore bars kick into gear, and the sounds of music, laughter, and waves combine into an ideal Rio soundtrack.
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Stare upon Christ the Redeemer
Towering 30m (98 ft) excessive atop Corcovado Mountain, Christ the Redeemer is likely one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — and for good cause. Whereas it’d look tiny from the beneath, you may be stunned how enormous it’s up shut. With arms stretched vast as if hugging the complete metropolis, this iconic statue is an emblem of Brazil and a must-see on any journey to Rio. The practice experience up by Tijuca Nationwide Park is an journey in itself, winding by the jungle with occasional views peeking by the bushes. As soon as on the high, you get panoramic vistas of town, Guanabara Bay, and the encircling mountains that’ll take your breath away. Go early to keep away from the crowds and snag the perfect picture ops.
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Wander the Rio Botanical Backyard
For those who’re seeking to gradual issues down and swap metropolis buzz for a extra tranquil backdrop, the Rio Botanical Backyard (Jardim Botânico) is your reply. This lush 140-hectare (346-acre) backyard is house to greater than 6,000 species of tropical and subtropical vegetation, together with royal palms, vibrant orchids, and the well-known Amazonian water lilies. Based in 1808, this backyard is house to extra than simply fairly vegetation — there’s additionally colonial structure, quiet strolling paths, and a stunning quantity of wildlife. Preserve a watch out for toucans and monkeys! It’s the type of place the place you may wander for hours and nonetheless come across hidden corners. Deliver a e book, a digicam, and possibly a picnic — this backyard is likely one of the most peaceable locations to recharge within the metropolis.
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Dance till late in Lapa
Trying to rejoice Carnival? Brazil has loads of choices, however in case you’re heading to Rio, you may virtually undoubtedly find yourself in Lapa. Identified for its historic aqueduct (Arcos da Lapa) and wild nightlife, this neighbourhood is the center of Rio’s samba scene. Come within the night when the streets come alive with dancing, stay music, and packed bars spilling out onto the sidewalks. Seize a caipirinha from a avenue stall and comply with the music. Chances are high you’ll find yourself in a samba circle earlier than the evening’s by.
High tip: Lapa is grittier than another Rio neighbourhoods, so head out in a bunch of associates and be cautious within the early hours.
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Climb the Escadaria Selarón
Welcome to considered one of Rio’s most Instagrammable (and vibrant) spots: the Escadaria Selarón. This world-famous staircase was a ardour undertaking by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, who spent years remodeling 215 steps right into a kaleidoscope of greater than 2,000 tiles from 60-plus international locations. It began as a tribute to the Brazilian folks and ended up as a residing, ever-evolving piece of artwork. Positioned between the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighbourhoods, it’s a must-visit for photographers, avenue artwork lovers, and anybody who appreciates a very good story behind the surroundings. Feeling hungry? There are some nice eating places (we love the Indian place proper on the high on the precise) and occasional retailers dotted on both aspect of the staircase.
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Hike in Tijuca Nationwide Park
Prepared to flee town with out really leaving it? Tijuca Nationwide Park is your lush, inexperienced, adventure-filled reply. As one of many largest city rainforests on the earth, it’s house to waterfalls, climbing trails, and wildlife galore, together with toucans, monkeys, and even sloths in case you’re fortunate. It additionally homes Rio’s most well-known peaks, together with the one topped by Christ the Redeemer. For a real journey, hike as much as Pico da Tijuca or Pedra Bonita for beautiful views (and fewer vacationers). If climbing in Rio de Janeiro isn’t your vibe, wander the decrease trails or take a dip beneath the Cascatinha Waterfall. It’s wild, tropical, and surprisingly near town, and it seems like getting into a special world.
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Really feel the rhythm at Pedra do Sal
Need to expertise genuine samba? Brazil has loads of locations for that, however you’ll discover it in its most joyful type in Rio. Head to Pedra do Sal on a Monday evening. This historic sq. within the Saúde neighbourhood was as soon as a gathering level for enslaved folks from Africa and later grew to become a cradle of samba music. Right this moment, it is top-of-the-line locations in Rio to expertise a roda de samba, a casual jam session the place musicians collect in a circle and play their hearts out whereas the group dances, drinks, and sings alongside. The setting is particular, too: cobblestone steps carved right into a black rock (therefore the identify Salt Rock) and murals celebrating Afro-Brazilian tradition throughout. For those who’ve discovered any Portuguese, that is considered one of your finest alternatives to apply it with locals (and possibly a bit of Dutch braveness).
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Stroll by Quinta da Boa Vista
As soon as the grounds of the Brazilian imperial palace, Quinta da Boa Vista is now considered one of Rio’s most picturesque public parks and an ideal off-the-tourist-trail spot to discover. The identify interprets to Property of the Good View, and that is too humble for what you may discover right here. This sprawling inexperienced area is ideal for a relaxed afternoon picnic, boating on the lake, or strolling by gardens lined with mango and jacaranda bushes. The park can be house to the Nationwide Museum, and its spectacular historical past makes it a dream for structure and historical past buffs. It’s a favorite native hangout on weekends. Pack some snacks and be part of the laid-back vibe for a glimpse into Carioca park life.
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Sip sundown drinks at Mureta da Urca
It could sound a bit of underwhelming when in comparison with different issues to do in Rio de Janeiro, however follow us. This low stone wall alongside the waterfront within the quiet Urca neighbourhood is the place locals collect for golden-hour drinks, sundown chats, and front-row views of Guanabara Bay. Seize a chilly beer and a pastéis (a fried pastry pocket) or açai from close by Bar Urca, perch on the wall and absorb considered one of Rio’s most laid-back experiences. You’ll spot Sugarloaf Mountain throughout the water, boats bobbing gently within the bay, and possibly a pleasant canine or two hoping for snacks.
Cheer at Maracanã Stadium
Even in case you’re not a soccer fan, it is laborious to keep away from the vitality of the game in Brazil, and Maracanã Stadium is virtually a cathedral on this metropolis. One of the vital well-known stadiums on the earth and an unmissable merchandise on any self-respecting issues to do in Rio de Janeiro listing, Maracanã has hosted every thing from Pelé’s 1,000th objective to World Cup finals and unforgettable native tournaments. Whether or not you are a hardcore fan or simply alongside for the ambiance, catching a sport right here is electrical: assume drums, chanting, and a sea of workforce colors. Not on the town throughout a sport? No drawback. Take a guided tour to discover the locker rooms, stroll by the gamers’ tunnel, and stand on the sector the place the legends have performed.
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Unwind on Ipanema Seaside
If Copacabana is Rio’s glitzy poster little one, Ipanema is the effortlessly cool sibling everybody secretly needs to be. This seashore is the place locals (Cariocas) go to relax, chat, surf, and showcase their seashore volleyball abilities, all with a hard-to-beat mountain-meets-ocean backdrop. Lease a chair and an umbrella, order an agua de coco (coconut water) or a caipirinha from the seashore distributors, and settle in for an ideal seashore day. Don’t skip Posto 9, the most well-liked stretch, the place you’ll see every thing from soccer matches to impromptu samba periods. On Sundays, the close by Feira Hippie de Ipanema (an area artisan market) is the right spot to select up vibrant souvenirs.
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Take in Santa Teresa’s attraction
Perched on a hill above Lapa, Santa Teresa seems like a village throughout the metropolis: bohemian, artsy, and fantastically crumbling in the easiest way. As soon as house to Rio’s elite, the neighbourhood is now a haven for creatives, with vibrant murals, artwork studios, and funky cafés on each nook. Trip its historic yellow tram up the winding streets — the one considered one of its variety nonetheless working in Brazil — and spend the day wandering from indie boutique to cute espresso store. Don’t miss Parque das Ruínas, an element spoil, half cultural centre with unimaginable views over downtown Rio. Santa Teresa’s attraction is in its gradual tempo and inventive aptitude. It’s the type of place the place you cease for a fast espresso and find yourself staying all afternoon.
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Soar over Rio’s skyline
For those who’re going to throw your self off a cliff, let or not it’s in Rio — with a glider, that’s Dangle gliding from Pedra Bonita is likely one of the most iconic and downright thrilling experiences town has to supply. You’ll run a number of steps off the mountain, catch the wind, after which growth — you’re hovering above Rio’s surroundings. The glide ends with a easy touchdown on the seashore, and also you’ll stroll away pumped stuffed with adrenaline. Not one for the faint of coronary heart, however completely well worth the leap.
Step into the Royal Studying Room
Whether or not you are a bookworm or not, the Royal Portuguese Studying Room is like stepping right into a real-life fairy story. This Nineteenth-century gem in downtown Rio is packed from flooring to ceiling with greater than 350,000 books. The stained-glass skylight, carved wooden particulars, and towering bookshelves make it really feel extra Hogwarts than library. It’s quiet, calm, and an surprising escape from Rio’s buzz. As a bonus, entry is free, and it’s the right spot to chill down whereas pretending you are in a dramatic historic novel.
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Cycle Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
If Rio had a chill-out zone, it might be Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. This peaceable lagoon between Ipanema, Leblon, and the bottom of Christ the Redeemer affords postcard views in each path and an entire lot of how to get pleasure from them. Lease a motorbike and cruise the 7.5km (4.7 mi) path across the water’s edge, or seize a stand-up paddleboard and float your means throughout.
Choose land over water? Pack a picnic, declare a shady spot beneath a palm tree, and absorb the native vibes. Loads of avenue carts are dotted across the lake to seize drinks and snacks. On weekends, the realm comes alive with much more meals stalls, stay music, and households out for a stroll. It’s equal components laid-back and full of life — very Rio, very price a go to.
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